Star Trek licensing executive Bill Burke has passed away at 55

Licensing International Executive Bill Burke, who recently passed away. Image Licensing International

AUGUST 24, 2021 - The Star Trek family lost a dear friend with the recent passing of Bill Burke. Burke passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 9th. He was 55.

For 14 years, Burke worked as a licensing and marketing executive for the CBS brand. As the Vice President of Marketing for CBS Consumer Products, Burke oversaw the licensing operations (including international licensing), along with the global marketing and retails needs of the Star Trek franchise. Prior to his work for CBS, Burke helped to develop well known brands such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Barney, as well as developing licensing agreements with Sesame Workshop. After a long career with the Star Trek brand, Burke left CBS Consumer Products to join Licensing International as their Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Communications in February of 2021.

Star Trek Vice President of Franchise Planning and Brand Development John Van Citters took to social media to leave an emotional tribute to his friend and colleague. Van Citters posted a thread on Twitter. In the opening tweet, Van Citters said, “Some of you are aware those of us that have the privilege to work on Star Trek lost Bill Burke, who passed suddenly and unexpectedly this week. To say this has been crushing is a massive understatement. Most of you don’t know Bill, but I promise if you bought a piece of Trek merch or attended a con, a Cruise, or one of our SDCC exhibits in the past 14 years, you experienced the dedication Bill brought every single day. And night. And weekend.”

Some of you are aware those of us that have the privilege to work on Star Trek lost Bill Burke, who passed suddenly and unexpectedly this week. To say this has been crushing is a massive understatement. pic.twitter.com/joL0FowiyN

— John Van Citters (@jvancitters) August 13, 2021

Van Citters went on to describe Burke’s intense dedication to the success of the Star Trek brand. Bringing the brand to the consumer is more than just planning, and Burke wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves “and do whatever needed to be done on any project.” Along with his post, Van Citters included a number of personal photos.

Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan responded to Van Citters’ thread to weigh in on his experience with Burke, saying “I saw all of the above in Bill and he was so generous, thoughtful, funny and kind to me even though I was new and learning. Tragic and terrible news, I’m so sorry John.”

Please join us in sending condolences to the Burke family.